Ukraine's National Team Gets New Head Coach, Presented by Shevchenko

New Head Coach of Ukraine's National Team Unveiled

According to Главком: Andriy Shevchenko has introduced Andrea Maldera as the new head coach of the Ukrainian national football team. This marks the first time in history that an Italian has taken charge of Ukraine's national squad. Maldera, originally from Milan, previously served as an assistant coach for the Ukrainian national team for five years. His career also includes experience as an assistant at prominent clubs such as Brighton and Marseille.

Andriy Shevchenko, president of the Ukrainian Association of Football, remarked that 'an Italian has led the Ukrainian national team for the first time in history, but this Italian has a Ukrainian soul.'

He emphasized Maldera's extensive experience, noting that he 'worked as an assistant for the national team for quite a long time' and 'after that work, he continued to progress, serving as an assistant to De Zerbi at two top-tier clubs.'

Looking Ahead

The first friendly match under Maldera's leadership is scheduled for May 31 against Poland, followed by a sparring match with Denmark a week later on June 7. Ukraine's official matches in the 2026/27 Nations League will begin in the fall of 2026. The Ukrainian team will compete in Division B of the Nations League, in Group B2 alongside Hungary, Georgia, and Northern Ireland. The first Nations League match will take place on September 25 away against Hungary, with the team facing Georgia in Batumi on September 28.

Additionally, Vladyslav Kochergin has extended his contract with the Polish club Raków for one year. Meanwhile, Mykhailo Mudryk has received a multi-year suspension due to doping violations. The decision was made by the English Football Association, and Mudryk appealed the ruling to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) on February 26.

In summary, new coach Andrea Maldera brings significant potential to develop the Ukrainian national team. His prior experience with the team and in international clubs could be a key factor in preparing for future competitions. A crucial aspect of his work will be adapting players to new strategies and approaches, especially amid growing competition in the Nations League. At the same time, the situation with Mykhailo Mudryk highlights the challenges players may face and the importance of adhering to rules in sports.

As Ukraine's national team embarks on this new chapter under Andrea Maldera, players have expressed their support for the coach's appointment. Their insights and reactions shed light on the team's morale and expectations for the upcoming matches. To learn more about how the squad feels about their new leader and what it means for their future, read our detailed coverage on the players' backing of Maldera.